About us
Eddy Ashdown, Director
Architectural Project Manager & Cladding Remediation Specialist
Eddy is a highly experienced Architectural Project Manager with more than 25 years of industry expertise spanning architectural design, project management, and the delivery of complex construction schemes. Known for his strong technical understanding of both design and build processes, Eddy brings a balanced, pragmatic approach to every project. His ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies sets him apart as a trusted and dependable project lead.
Eddy’s career has encompassed a rich mix of private practice and contractor-side experience. After achieving his HND and later graduating with a degree in Architecture from London South Bank University, he began his professional journey with a major design-and-build contractor—gaining invaluable on-site knowledge that continues to inform his practical and detail-focused approach today. He progressed into private practice at The HSB Partnership and later Landmark Architecture, contributing to high-profile riverside residential developments and premium retail fit-outs, including work for Liberty’s. His time at Landmark led to the formation of BLA Architects, where he honed his leadership and project delivery capabilities as a business co-founder.
Over the years, Eddy has also developed extensive experience as a Principal Designer, consistently ensuring that health and safety risks are identified, managed, and mitigated across all stages of the design lifecycle. This role strengthened his understanding of compliance, duty holder responsibilities, and the critical importance of safe design solutions—skills that naturally guided the next phase of his career.
A New Professional Focus: Cladding Remediation & Building Safety
In recent years, significant changes in UK building safety legislation, the introduction of the EWS1 process, and heightened industry scrutiny around external wall systems have reshaped the priorities of building owners, developers, and leaseholders. Recognising the urgent need for experienced technical leadership in this space, Eddy made a deliberate decision to focus his expertise on cladding remediation.
The complexities surrounding external wall assessments, fire engineering input, material compliance, and evidential reporting require a deep combination of architectural experience, construction knowledge, and regulatory awareness. Eddy’s background—particularly his Principal Designer work, technical design capability, and site-based understanding—places him at the centre of these industry-wide challenges.
His transition into cladding remediation was driven by a desire to contribute to safer, compliant, and future-proofed buildings while helping clients navigate the demanding requirements of EWS1, PAS 9980 guidance, and the evolving Building Safety Regulator framework. Eddy is committed to ensuring that remedial solutions not only address fire safety concerns but also protect asset value, minimise disruption, and ultimately restore confidence for building residents and stakeholders.
Rebecca Mason, Project Co-ordinator
Rebecca is a Project Co-ordinator with a strong background in compliance, quality assurance, and delivery of construction projects. Having previously worked on multi-million-pound residential developments, Rebecca has transitioned into the remedial façade sector to pursue a focused interest in fire risk, building safety, and remediation works.
Rebecca’s career spans both construction and highly regulated industries, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the importance of accuracy, traceability, and controlled processes. Her experience in quality management systems, auditing, and non-conformance management underpins her methodical approach to construction project coordination, particularly in environments where regulatory compliance and evidential records are critical.
In her current role, Rebecca supports the delivery of façade remediation and building safety projects, working closely with project managers, designers, and consultants to ensure information, compliance, and coordination are managed effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
She is closely involved in supporting building safety deliverables, including Gateway submissions and helping maintain clear, structured, and auditable project records in line with golden thread principles.
Rebecca plays an active role in project coordination, supporting team communication, tracking actions and decisions, and contributing to the continuous improvement of systems and processes that underpin safe and compliant project delivery
Varun Soni, The Property Smart Group Consulting Ltd
The Property Smart Group Consulting Ltd is widely recognised for its leadership in building safety and regulatory compliance. The company works in close collaboration with national bodies and industry forums, maintaining active engagement with MHCLG and the Building Advisory Committee to support the development, interpretation, and implementation of the UK’s building safety reform agenda.
The organisation is equally committed to advancing industry standards. Through its contributions as technical authors for the British Standards Institution (BSI) and its active involvement with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), The Property Smart Group Consulting Ltd plays a key role in shaping and disseminating authoritative building and fire safety guidance across the construction sector.
Renowned for its technical capability and strategic insight, the company is at the forefront of Gateway submission delivery under the Building Safety Act. To date, it has supported the preparation of 19 Gateway 2 applications, achieving 17 approvals, with the remaining submissions currently under regulatory review. This strong success rate reflects a rigorous methodology, deep regulatory expertise, and a consistent commitment to delivering high-quality, fully compliant outcomes.
BCS Cladding